The future of Queen Creek's parks system is just getting started. If you have lived here for a few years you may be familiar with Mansel Carter Oasis Park and Founders' Park, among others. Deputy Director of Community Services, Adam Robinson, says that the growth of Queen Creek requires the parks and trails to grow with it too. Therefore, exciting new projects are just on the horizon.
Frontier Family Park will be the first to open later in 2024. The park will include an all-inclusive playground, baseball field, pickleball courts, multi-purpose fields, and a 5-acre fishing lake. The large playground includes digifuse panels that incorporate imagery of Queen Creek's crops and wildlife. The name of the park is a nod to the history of Queen Creek's homesteading families who settled here and worked the land.
Meanwhile, Mansel Carter Oasis Park's phase II is also underway and will add tennis courts, volleyball, pickleball, and a pump track. Perhaps the most exciting project will be the new Recreation and Aquatic Center, a first for the town. The 7,000 square foot building will house a gym, indoor courts, fitness rooms, multi-use classrooms, a teen room, lockers and more. The much anticipated Aquatic Center will have a lazy river, 4 slides, a competition and lap pool, a zero depth entry play pool, and space for birthday parties.
There are also long term plans to improve and connect the Queen Creek Wash trail system which will eventually become a 13-mile loop. The trail is one aspect of Queen Creek's parks system that sets it apart since it has two natural washes and is popular with many runners and cyclists. As existing parks are updated, enhancements may include increased shade fabric sails, trees, and water play to address the heat for use all year long.
The town conducted a robust public outreach and survey to understand the needs of the community. As a result, the feedback was important in guiding the planning and design of these sites. The town's master plan has a ten year vision and there are still future potential sites too. So as new parks open, families will discover more opportunities for recreation, sport, and community. Adam says that Queen Creek is dedicated to providing quality parks to residents, and spaces like these are an integral part of quality of life, to gather, connect, and stay local.
To read more and discover additional details and progress on the parks: www.queencreekaz.gov
